Method and device for enabling message responses to incoming phone calls

ABSTRACT

A computing device is configured to receive an incoming communication from another computing device. The incoming communication may be for purpose of initiating a voice-exchange session. In response to receiving the incoming call, the computing device may identify or determine a message identifier of the other computing device. The message identifier is determined based at least in part on data provided with the incoming communication. The computing device may programmatically address a message to the other computing device using the message identifier determined from the incoming communication.

PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/200,511, filed Aug. 8, 2005, entitled “Method and Device for EnablingMessage Responses to Incoming Phone Calls” and is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosed embodiments relate generally to the field of messaging,and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for enabling messageresponses to incoming calls.

BACKGROUND

Communication devices have evolved to include numerous types ofcommunication capabilities and functionality. For example, handhelddevices exist that operate as cellular phones, messaging terminals,Internet devices, while including personal information management (PIM)software and photo-management applications. Additionally, InternetProtocol services exist that can transform Internet-enabled machinesinto telephony devices. Even stand-alone telephones that connect totraditional Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTN) now carry softwareto assist the user in making and managing phone calls.

Mobile phone networks have traditionally been limited to voicecommunications, but new technologies such as GSM (Global System forMobile Communications) have enabled mobile phone networks to alsoinclude data communications. For example, SMS (Short Message Service)messaging provides a software-independent protocol to send short textmessages composed of either: 160-7 bit characters; 70-16 bit characters;or 140 octets of binary data. Individual SMS messages thus require arelatively small network bandwidth and devices can receive messages,even when connected to a voice call. The number of SMS messages a userreceives has continually increased because many new types of networkdevices have joined mobile phone networks. These devices include, forexample, PDAs, hybrid PDA/mobile phone devices, and other text messagingdevices using GSM networks. Additionally, PSTN devices also exist thatsupport messaging applications such as SMS.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a computing device issuing a messageresponse to an incoming caller, according to one or more embodiments ofthe invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates components for use in a computing device configuredaccording to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a hardware diagram for use with one or more embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a message for handling incoming calls with messagereplies, under an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates an optional process that may be performed in order todetermine or verify that a caller using a message-enabled device, underan embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B illustrate timelines for different usage scenarios,under one or more embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments described herein enable message replies to be made toincoming callers. In an embodiment, a device that receives an incomingphone call, for example, may be used to transmit a message as a reply tothe caller. For example, rather than pick up a phone call or forward thephone call to voicemail, the user may simply generate a text (or otherform of) message to the caller.

Embodiments of the invention recognize that in some cases, a useranswering or not answering a phone call is inconvenient, either to therecipient of the phone call, or the caller, As such, embodimentsdescribed herein provide an alternative of messaging the caller of anincoming phone call, rather answering the phone call or forwarding thephone call to voicemail.

Embodiments described herein have particular application to mobilecomputing devices that offer voice and data capabilities on cellularnetworks. In this context, embodiments described herein allow the userof the device handling the incoming call to communicate with the callerwithout actually accepting the call. This can save both the caller andthe recipient time, and “minutes” on their respective cellular plans.Furthermore, if the recipient of the incoming call cannot accept theincoming call, the recipient is saved the trouble of having to respondto a voicemail message or having to find the time to return a call.

While one or more embodiments of the invention are described for usewith mobile, cellular devices, other telephony and computing devices arecontemplated for use with embodiments of the invention. For example,some phones that connect to traditional wireline phone networks havecapability to transmit and receive messages.

In one embodiment, a computing device is configured to receive anincoming communication from another computing device. The incomingcommunication may be for purpose of initiating a voice-exchange session.In response to receiving the incoming call, the computing device mayidentify or determine a message identifier of the other computingdevice. The message identifier is determined based at least in part ondata provided with the incoming communication. The computing device mayprogrammatically address a message to the other computing device usingthe message identifier determined from the incoming communication.

According to an embodiment, a computing device is configured to providea message reply to an incoming phone call. In one embodiment, thecomputing device identifies a phone number of a caller of the incomingcall. The computing device may prompt the user of the computing deviceto generate a message reply to the incoming phone call. The computingdevice may then initiate the message reply by opening a message andaddressing the message to the phone number of the caller of the incomingphone call.

A voice-exchange includes any data transfer method in which a user'sspeech or utterance is transmitted across a network to the location ofanother device or user in real-time (e.g. instantaneous) or nearreal-time (e.g. less than three seconds). Examples of voice-exchangeincludes standard telephony practice. Another example of voice-exchangeis when a voice transmission is recorded and transmitted as an instantmessage or file to be received and played back at the recipient. In thelatter case, the recipient may not be able to interrupt the speaker, dueto time delay, while in the former case, the recipient can interact withthe speaker as if they were standing next to each other.

As used herein, the term “instant message” or “instant messaging” meansmessages that when transmitted to a recipient, or rendered on a deviceof the recipient immediately, nearly immediately, or alternativelywithout user-action.

Numerous types of computer telephony devices exist. One type of computertelephony device for use with an embodiment is a wireless, mobilecomputing device, sometimes called the “smart phone”. Such devices aregenerally small to fit in one hand, and provide cellular telephonyfeatures in combination with other applications, such as contactapplications for managing contact records, calendar applications formanaging and scheduling events, task applications for keeping lists, andcamera applications for capturing images. Another type of computertelephony device contemplated with an embodiment is a desktop computerthat is configured to include real-time voice data exchange (e.g.through use of Internet Protocol telephony). Still further, other typesof computer telephony devices exist, including standalone devices thatconnect directly to a telephone network (whether Internet Protocol orPublic Switch Telephony System) and provide software interfaces andapplications.

Embodiments provide that methods, techniques and actions performed bythe communication device are performed programmatically, or as acomputer-implemented method. Programmatically means through the use ofcode, or computer-executable instructions. A programmatically performedstep may or may not be automatic.

One or more embodiments described herein may be implemented usingmodules. A module may include a program, a subroutine, a portion of aprogram, or a software component or a hardware component capable ofperforming one or more stated tasks or functions. As used herein, amodule can exist on a hardware component independently of other modules,or a module can be a shared element or process of other modules,programs or machines. A module may reside on one machine, such as on aclient or on a server, or a module may be distributed amongst multiplemachines, such as on multiple clients or server machines.

Furthermore, one or more embodiments described herein may be implementedthrough the use of instructions that are executable by one or moreprocessors. These instructions may be carried on a computer-readablemedium. Machines shown in figures below provide examples of processingresources and computer-readable mediums on which instructions forimplementing embodiments of the invention can be carried and/orexecuted. In particular, the numerous machines shown with embodiments ofthe invention include processor(s) and various forms of memory forholding data and instructions. Examples of computer-readable mediumsinclude permanent memory storage devices, such as hard drives onpersonal computers or servers. Other examples of computer storagemediums include portable storage units, such as CD or DVD units, flashmemory (such as carried on many cell phones and personal digitalassistants (PDAs)), and magnetic memory. Computers, terminals, networkenabled devices (e.g. mobile devices such as cell phones) are allexamples of machines and devices that utilize processors, memory, andinstructions stored on computer-readable mediums.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a computing device issuing a messageresponse to an incoming caller, according to one or more embodiments ofthe invention. In FIG. 1, an initiating computing device 120 (“callingdevice”) places a call 112 to a recipient computing device 110. Ratherthan answer the call or perform some other action like forwarding thecall to voicemail, one or more embodiments described herein provide thatthe recipient computing device 110 issues a message response 122 to thecalling device 120. In one embodiment, the message response 122 is analternative to the user of the recipient device 110 having to decline ornot answer the incoming call 112.

In an embodiment, the message response 122 is an instant message,meaning that the contents of the message are rendered immediately whenreceived on the calling device 110. One implementation provides that acontent of the message response is text. For example, the user of thereceiving device 110 may insert or compose a text message (e.g. “Call melater”). A text message response may be provided using a Short MessageService (SMS) format and application. Other embodiments provide forother types of content data to be included in the message, including MMS(Multimedia Messaging Service), EMS (Enhanced Messaging Service), or anydata protocol capable of encapsulating messages for transport betweennetworked devices. Thus, one alternative implementation provides thatthe user may send an image that communicates information. For example,the user may send an image of a clock showing a particular time,indicating that user's desire to be called back at a particular time.Still further, the user may include audio in the message response 122.For example, the user may send a voice blurb or a chime to indicate amessage to the user of the caller device 120.

FIG. 1 illustrates implementation of embodiments of the invention withcellular telephony devices, since such devices normally handle bothmessage transmissions and/or receptions over cellular networks. However,there are telephones VoIP (voice-over IP) phones and phones that connectto Public Switched Telephony Networks (PSTN) that can handle messaging.For example, some PSTN phones may support SMS message handling. Thus,embodiments of the invention may extend to devices and networks otherthan those that are used on cellular networks.

Furthermore, telephone calls are just one example of a voice-exchangesession. Embodiments of the invention may be implemented in the contextof other types of voice-exchange sessions. For example, caller device120 may initially communicate a walkie-talkie communication to therecipient device 110, for which recipient device 110 sends back, forexample, a text message response.

Component Overview

FIG. 2 illustrates components for use in a computing device configuredaccording to an embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 2, a computingdevice 200 includes a phone application 210 and a messaging component220. A message response module 250 may be incorporated to operate inconnection with both the phone application 210 and the messagingcomponent 220. According to an embodiment, the message response module250 triggers initiation of a message response 254 to the incoming call204. In one implementation, computing device 200 corresponds to a hybridmobile device having telephonic and messaging capability over cellularnetworks (sometimes called a “smart phone”). The phone application 210may correspond to a software element that manages voice data exchangedover one or more wireless communication components 318 (see FIG. 3). Inone embodiment, messaging component 220 is an instant messagingapplication.

One example of a messaging application that is suitable for use with anembodiment is an SMS application, for sending and receiving text instantmessages. Alternative instant text messaging applications may also beused. As another example, the messaging application 220 may correspondto a media-based messaging application, such as a Multimedia MessagingService (MMS) application, for sending and receiving image data.

With reference to FIG. 2, computing device 200 may receive an incomingcall 204, which is handled by the phone application 210. At an initialtime, the incoming call 204 may include call data 212, which isidentified by the phone application 210. In one embodiment, call data212 includes identification information of the caller (e.g. “Caller ID”information). As such, call data 212 may include (i) a name of thecaller, and/or (ii) a phone number used by the caller. The phoneapplication 210 may identify call data 212 from the incoming call 204while causing transmission of audio rings/chimes, rendering of imagedata containing the Caller ID information on a display of the device,and/or other incoming call notification (e.g. vibration).

The act of sending message response 254 to incoming call 204 may involvethe following operations: (i) opening a new message for message response254, (ii) addressing the message, (iii) including a message content 242or body for the message, and (iv) instructing the messaging component220 to send the message response. The message response module 230 mayperform at least some of these operations by communicating messagecreation data 222 to the messaging component 220. The message creationdata 222 may be generated at one time, or submitted in spurts based onthe occurrence of other events. As such, some or all of the steps ofsending the message response 254 may be performed automatically.

Alternatively, some or all of the steps of sending the message response254 may be performed automatically, after input triggers are providedfrom the user 202. For example, in one case, the user may designate asetting on the computing device 200 to handle all incoming calls with amessage response (e.g. “on vacation”).

As another alternative, in one implementation, the message creation data222 is generated in response to a trigger from a user 202. The phoneapplication 210, message response module 230, or some other componentmay prompt the user to message respond to a caller in response toreceipt of call data 202. The prompt may occur shortly after theincoming call 204 is received, such as with or before the first “ring”generated on the computing device 200 for the incoming call. Forexample, the user may be able to elect message response as one optionalong with other options of answering or declining the incoming call204.

The message creation data 222 may be based on call data 212. In oneembodiment, the message creation data 222 may include (i) control datato cause the messaging application 220 to open a new message, and (ii)an address along with other data/instructions for addressing the newlycreated message. The message content 242 may be provided by aprogrammatic source 244, and/or by the user 202. In one embodiment, user202 provides all of the message content 244. In another embodiment, theprogrammatic source 244 generates the content, in response to auser-input or other trigger. For example, the programmatic source 244may generate a macro message in response to a user selecting to haveincoming call 202 handled by the message response 254. Alternatively,content 242 may be a combination of content provided by the programmaticsource 244 and the user. For example, the programmatic source mayprovide a template content that the user fills in. To illustrate, aportion of the message content 244 may correspond to “please call me in______ minutes.” The portion of the message content 244 provided by user202 may correspond to “5”.

An embodiment provides that the address provided by the message creationdata 222 is a phone number of the incoming caller. In one embodiment, noverification or check is performed to determine if the device used bythe caller is message enabled. For example, the user may manually makethis selection in response to seeing the number being used by thecaller. If the user recognizes the number as belonging to a cell phone,for example, the user may be assured that the caller's device ismessage-enabled. Otherwise, the message response 254 may be transmitted,but not received by the caller.

In another embodiment, a programmatic verification step is performed tosee if the caller's device is enabled to receive the message response254. In one embodiment, the message response module 250 (or otherprogrammatic element) may match the number of the caller to a field of agiven contact record stored with a contact database 230 on the computingdevice. If, for example, the contact record information identifies thenumber of the incoming call as belonging to a “mobile” number, themessaging response module 250 may do one or more of the following: (i)provide an indication that message response is available, (ii) enablethe user to elect message response option, and/or (iii) programmaticallyinitiate a new message addressed to the number of the caller.

Conversely, if the number of the incoming call is not identifiable asbeing message-enabled, embodiments provide that (i) a message or otherindication is provided to the user warning that the caller's device isnot message enabled, or (ii) the message response feature is disabled.One embodiment may distinguish between not knowing whether the device ofthe caller can receive messages, and knowing definitively that thecaller's device cannot receive incoming messages. For example, in theformer case, no action may be taken so that the message response featureis enabled, or a warning may be provided to the user indicating that thecaller's device may not be message-enabled. In the latter case, messageresponse may be disabled. Numerous other scenarios are possible andcontemplated under embodiments of the invention.

Hardware Diagram

FIG. 3 is a hardware diagram for use with one or more embodiments of theinvention. In FIG. 3, a computing device 300 includes one or moreprocessors 310, one or more memory components 320, and a display 330.One or more communication components 318 may enable receipt of call data204 (FIG. 2), voice exchanges, and message responses 254 (FIG. 2). Inone embodiment, the communication components 318 are for wirelesscommunications, and cellular network communications in particular.

The communication components 318 may configure computing device 300 totransmit and receive communications on Code Division Multiple Access(CDMA) networks, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) networks,and/or other types of cellular networks. The communication components318 may include a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card, an input/outputcontroller, a radio frequency transceiver, and an input/outputcontroller. Combined, communication components 318 may enablevoice-exchange, as well as text and other kinds of message dataexchanges.

The processors 310 may retrieve from the memory components 320instructions (“application instructions 322”) for executing operationssuch as described in FIG. 2. With reference to FIG. 2. the applicationinstructions 322 may correspond to execution of phone application 210,messaging application 220 and message response module 230. Phone and/ormessage data 332 generated from execution of these applications may besignaled to the display 330 so that they can be viewed by the user.

Input mechanisms 340 may enable the user to enter message input 342. Themessage input 342 may correspond to input triggers, corresponding to,for example: (i) decisions of the user to message reply to an incomingcall, (ii) to include a specific pre-formulated message content 242,and/or (iii) to send the message response 254. As an alternative oradditional functionality, message input 342 generated by the inputmechanisms may include one or more manual entry items, including forexample: (i) address and/or phone number of the recipient, and (ii) someor all of the message content 242 (FIG. 2).

When used to compose message content 242 (FIG. 2), input mechanisms 340may have any one of a variety of forms. For example, input mechanisms340 may correspond to a set of hard or soft keys (soft keys may beiconic in form and displayed through use of a contact-sensitive display)arranged in the form of a QWERTY keyboard or other layout. The messageinput 342 may correspond to alphanumeric content, including phrases,keywords, or images that can be generated through use of keyboards (e.g.happy face). As another example, input mechanism 340 may correspond to amicrophone, so that the message input is a voice file. Still further,the input mechanism 340 may correspond to a camera or other imagecapturing device, which captures an image for the message response 354.

According to one embodiment, components 318 receive call data 352 when aphone call or other voice-exchange session is initiated. Subsequently,such as in response to a call pick-up, voice data 362 may be receivedand transmitted. In one embodiment, a message 354 is transmitted as analternative to the voice data 362 being exchanged. In anotherimplementation, the message 354 is provided prior to the voice dataexchange 362. For example, as described below, transmission of message354 may result in an understanding between the caller and the recipientthat the call pick-up will be delayed.

Methodology

FIG. 4 illustrates a message for handling incoming calls with messagereplies, under an embodiment of the invention. An embodiment such asdescribed in FIG. 4 may be performed using components and elements suchas described in FIG. 2 and other figures. Accordingly, reference may bemade to elements of other figures for purpose of illustrating a suitableelement or component for performing a step or sub-step being described.

In step 410, an incoming call is received. The call may be transmittedover a cellular network, from one mobile device to another.

Step provides that caller information is identified on the recipientdevice. This information may correspond to “Caller ID” information,which may include a name of the caller, and a phone number of the devicebeing used to make the call.

According to one embodiment, reply options are provided to the user instep 430. For example, the user may be provided the options of answeringthe call, declining the call, or message responding to the call. Underone implementation, a graphic-user interface may be generated to enablethe user to make the decision on how the call should be answered. Theuser may signal his or her decision by actuating, for example, a softkey that indicates one of the actions.

A decision is made in step 435 as to whether the user has elected themessage response. If the message response was not elected, step 440provides an elected or default reply action is performed. This maycorrespond to the phone call being answered, or forwarding the phonecall to another phone number or voicemail.

If the user makes a decision in step 435 to message reply to theincoming call, then step 450 provides that a corresponding one of themessaging applications is opened, or otherwise presented in a state ofuse for the user.

In step 460, a message reply is addressed to the incoming caller. Thisstep may include a new message being created and then addressed.Alternatively, an existing message (such as one stored in a draftfolder) may be addressed. In an embodiment such as shown by FIG. 2, themessage response module 250 may signal control data to the messageapplication 210 to cause the message creation, and to cause the messageapplication to use the phone number of the incoming caller in theaddress field of the newly created message.

Step 470 provides that the message body is inserted. Depending on theimplementation, the message body may be created by (i) user-input, (ii)programmatically, or (iii) through a combination of user-input andprogrammatic creation. Programmatic content in the message body may be,for example, in the form of a template (text or image) or in the form ofa macro. The macro may be triggered by user-input.

In step 480, the message is transmitted to the caller. The message maybe transmitted automatically in response to an event, such uponcompletion of the message. Alternatively, the message may be transmittedthrough manual input from the user.

FIG. 5 illustrates an optional process that may be performed in order todetermine or verify that a caller using a message-enabled device, underan embodiment of the invention. In step 510, the caller's phone numberis identified. As mentioned, an embodiment provides that the Caller IDinformation may be used to identify the phone number used by the callerof the incoming call.

In step 520, a database of contact records may be accessed to determine(i) a contact record that contains the phone number of the incomingcall, and (ii) information provided in the contact record that indicateswhether the device is message-enabled. With reference to FIG. 1, contactrecords stored in, for example, contact database 130 may be scanned fora contact record that contains the phone number of the incoming caller.The field assigned to the identified phone number may be the indicatorof whether the device of the caller is message-enabled.

In step 525, the determination is made as to whether the device of thecaller is message-enabled. For example, if the phone number of theincoming call is matched to a contact record, and the number is listedin the contact record as belonging to a mobile, cellular device, thedetermination in step 525 may be that the caller's device ismessage-enabled. Step 540 provides that a message response feature isprovided as an option to the user if the determination in step 535 isthat the caller's device is message-enabled.

One embodiment provides that if the determination in step 525 isnegative, then step 530 provides that no message-response options areprovided to the user. For example, step 530 may be performed in responseto the determination that (i) that the caller's device is notmessage-enabled, or (ii) unknown. Alternatively, unknown numbers may betreated as message-enabled.

While an embodiment such as described with FIG. 4 illustrates the use ofmultiple reply options, alternative implementations may be used where noreply option is provided. For example, the user may designate (i)message replies are to be generated for all incoming calls, or (ii)message replies are to be generated for all callers whom are known to beusing a message-enabled device; or (iii) message replies are to begenerated for a specific caller or set of callers. Thus, the user mayremove the need to decide through manual input whether a particular callshould be message replied. Additionally, message generation maycorrespond to (i) the message being created and addressed, or (ii) themessage being created, addressed, and transmitted. In the latter case,pre-formulated or programmatically generated content may be inserted asmessage content 242 (FIG. 2).

Usage Scenarios

FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B illustrate timelines for different usage scenarios,under one or more embodiments of the invention. In particular, FIG. 6Aand FIG. 6B illustrate different show message responses where the mannerin which an incoming phone call is resolved differently. In the case ofFIG. 6A, the incoming call is declined, while in FIG. 6B, the incomingcall is answered.

In FIG. 6A, a timeline is shown for an embodiment in which the user canmessage response the user in connection with declining to answer theincoming call. At an initial time, the incoming call 602 is received.One embodiment provides that a call notification 606 is generated. Thecall notification 606 may display, for example, information on thecaller or the caller's number. The call notification 606 may alsopresent options as to whether the user can answer the call, decline thecall, and/or message reply the call. In the scenario shown by FIG. 6A,the user elects to message reply the user with an SMS message 608. Inone implementation, the SMS message 608 may occur at a later time inorder to give the user a chance to enter input as part of the messagebody. The SMS message 608 may include content entered or selected by theuser that communicates the user's intent to have the caller call back ata later time. At a time when the caller receives the SMS message 608,termination 610 may occur, at the option of the user.

FIG. 6B illustrates a timeline where a message response is provided inconnection with the recipient of an incoming call answering the call. Atthe initial time, the incoming call 612 is received. As with theprevious scenario, the call notification 616 may occur to provide theuser with the opportunity to answer, decline, or message reply to theincoming call. In the scenario shown, the user replies to the incomingcall with a SMS message 618 subsequent to the call notification 616occurring. In this scenario, the user wants to answer the call, butwould like to have more time. The SMS message 618 may communicate thisintent through content entered or selected by the user. At a delayedinterval, the all pickup 620 occurs. In a scenario shown by FIG. 6B, theuser may need to delay voicemail forwarding or pickup, so that theincoming call and “ring” for an extended duration.

Numerous other usage scenarios are contemplated with embodiments of theinvention. For example, a user may elect to automatically message replyall incoming calls when the user is unavailable (e.g. “on vacation”).Alternatively, the user may elect to have all calls from a particularcaller message replied automatically, with a standard message for thatcaller or class of callers (e.g. “use my other number”). Examples suchas described enable users the convenience of initiating a communicationwith a phone call, but communicating using less intrusive or more rapidcommunication responses as a substitute for a conversation. Stillfurther, the user may maintain a list of preformed text messageresponses. In response to an incoming call, the user may scroll thedevice and select one of the preformed responses, such as “Call back” or“Try me tomorrow at home”.

Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been describedin detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is tobe understood that the invention is not limited to those preciseembodiments. As such, many modifications and variations will be apparentto practitioners skilled in this art. Accordingly, it is intended thatthe scope of the invention be defined by the following claims and theirequivalents. Furthermore, it is contemplated that a particular featuredescribed either individually or as part of an embodiment can becombined with other individually described features, or parts of otherembodiments, even if the other features and embodiments make nomentioned of the particular feature. This, the absence of describingcombinations should not preclude the inventor from claiming rights tosuch combinations.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A method for operating a first computing device, the method being implemented by one or more processors of the first computing device and comprising: receiving, from a second computing device, an incoming call to initiate a voice-exchange session; in response to receiving the incoming call, determining a message identifier associated with the second computing device, wherein the message identifier is determined based at least in part on data provided with the incoming call; in response to receiving the incoming call, prompting a user of the first computing device to enter user input that instructs the first computing device to handle the incoming call by composing, while not answering the incoming call, a media content to a user of the second computing device; and responsive to receiving the incoming call and the user entering the user input, automatically addressing the media content to the second computing device using the message identifier determined from the incoming call.
 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising: generating a graphic user-interface feature that prompts the user to elect to have the media content at least partially composed in response to the incoming call.
 23. The method of claim 21, wherein automatically addressing the media content includes using the message identifier to identify and enter an address for an instant message.
 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the media content is composed using a Multimedia Messaging Service application, and the message identifier is a phone number.
 25. The method of claim 21, wherein the media content includes at least one of: (i) an image file, (ii) a video file, or (iii) an audio file.
 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the audio file is an audio message composed by the user, or a sound effect selected by the user.
 27. The method of claim 21, wherein the media content is a voice blurb recorded by the user and/or selected by the user.
 28. The method of claim 21, further comprising: verifying that the second computing device is enabled for receiving the media content.
 29. The method of claim 28, wherein verifying that the second computing device is enabled for receiving the media content includes (i) identifying a phone number of the second computing device used for the incoming call, and (ii) determining that the phone number is associated with a media content-enabled device that can handle a media content response.
 30. The method of claim 29, wherein determining that the phone number is associated with a media content-enabled device includes (i) accessing a contact record of a caller of the incoming call using the data provided with the incoming call, and (ii) using the contact record to verify that the phone number is capable of being used to receive the media content.
 31. The method of claim 30, wherein the media content includes (i) an image file, (ii) a video file, or (iii) an audio file, and wherein using the contact record to verify that the phone number is capable of being used to receive the media content includes checking the contact record associated with the caller to see whether the phone number of the incoming call is for a mobile telephony device that can handle the media content.
 32. The method of claim 30, wherein determining that the phone number is associated with the media content-enabled device is performed programmatically and automatically.
 33. The method of claim 21, further comprising: transmitting the media content to the second computing device using a phone number of the incoming call as the address for a new media content, a new instant message or a new text message.
 34. The method of claim 33, further comprising: launching an application for transmitting the new media content, the new instant message or the new text message automatically, in response to one of (i) receiving the incoming call, or (ii) receiving the input from the user of the first computing device.
 35. The method of claim 21, further comprising: enabling the user of the first computing device to provide content manually for the media content.
 36. The method of claim 21, further comprising: enabling the user of the first computing device to trigger insertion of pre-formulated content for the media content.
 37. A computing device comprising: one or more communication components, at a first computing device, for handling voice and messaging communications over wireless networks; and one or more processors configured to: handle an incoming phone call from a second computing device; in response to receiving the incoming phone call, (a) prompt a user of the first computing device to enter user input that instructs the first computing device on how to handle the incoming call, including providing the user with an option to (i) answer the call, or (ii) send the second computing device a media content without answering the incoming call; in response to receiving the incoming phone call, determine a phone number of the second computing device based, at least in part, on the incoming phone call; and in response to receiving the user input to send the second computing device the media content without answering the incoming phone call, programmatically generate at least an address of the media content to be transmitted to the second computing device using the phone number identified from the received phone call.
 38. The computing device of claim 37, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to enable an image file, a video file, or an audio file to be generated as the media content to be sent to the second computing device without answering the incoming phone call.
 39. The computing device of claim 38, wherein the media content is a voice blurb recorded by the user and/or selected by the user.
 40. The computing device of claim 37, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to generate a graphic user-interface feature that prompts the user to elect to have the media content at least partially composed in response to the incoming call. 